Habakkuk 3:19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.

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One commentator writes, “Habakkuk has here before his mind Ps 18:33, 34; De 32:13.”Hinds’ (gazelles’) feet” imply the swiftness with which God enables him (the prophet and his people) to escape from his enemies, and return to his native land.

The original word “hinds,” is a doe, or female deer. Either case connotes swiftness and agility, of which I know of no other name as capable. You might see such swiftness and agility when at play, but more so when fleeing from its enemy.

The Lord gives this to us when trouble is approaching, advancing and confronting us. We can hastily and with certainty of step escape the “net” of the enemy.

David often recounted those times when he would escape from King Saul by climbing to the heights of mountainous terrain. One commentator describes them as high, lofty, craggy areas with which David became acutely familiar with as he fled for his life.

When pursued by the enemy, the high ground is the best for which to flee, for it is there you can see in every direction, making it more difficult for the enemy to advance without detection. The “heights” may seem formidable, unattainable, and maybe even impossible, but it is then that God, who is our Strength, imparts strength to go on, and enables us tread on the heights.